P&G Q3 net down 19%

Procter & Gamble Hygiene and Health Care has posted a 19% decline in net profit of Rs 14.66 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2005 as compared to Rs 18.12 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2004.

According to a release issued to the BSE today, total Income grew from Rs 139.41 crore in Q3-04 to Rs 174.86 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2005.

Bharat V Patel, chairman of P& G said, "We have had a strong nine-month period ending March 31, 2005, with a growth of 18% in total sales at Rs 513.26 crores and 8% on profit after tax at Rs 86 crores backed by sales growth of our core health care & feminine hygiene categories by 5%. This sustained sales growth over the quarter is testimony to our incessant focus on meeting the consumer's needs with superior performing brands".